Losing 9 Fingers to Frostbite: The Climbing Expedition that Changed Firefighter Erik Bjarnason’s Life

In this week’s episode of Bend, Don’t Break another firefighter joins the podcast! Erik Bjarnason is a career firefighter with the North Vancouver City Fire Department, who has recently retired. He is also a long-time member of North Shore Rescue and an avid mountaineer. Erik has climbed mountains in Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America; completed a month-long dogsled trip in the Arctic to the magnetic North Pole; and explored the entire length of the Amazon from the highest point in Bolivia to the Atlantic Ocean. 

 

Today, Erik is sharing the story of the most impactful expedition he went on that almost turned fatal. The aftermath of this expedition left him missing all of his fingers and one of his thumbs. His family was told to be prepared for the worst. 

 

Listen in to hear how he overcame challenges related to the loss of his fingers such as alcohol addiction, conflict in the workplace, and ultimately finding ways to alleviate his stress, recovery, getting back to work, and more.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:40] Chief Neil Dubord welcomes Erik Bjarnason to the podcast.

[1:04] What did Erik have for breakfast today?

[1:28] Erik speaks about his background as a firefighter.

[2:30] Erik tells the incredible story of how he lost all of his fingers and one thumb.

[5:00] Erik speaks about the lasting impacts (of the expedition that took his fingers) on his colleagues.

[6:09] How long was Erik in the hospital after this expedition?

[7:38] Erik speaks about the grave news his family received when he was in the hospital.

[8:19] Erik shares what was going through his mind when he thought he potentially might lose his job due to the injuries he sustained during the expedition.

[10:04] Erik speaks about some of the dark days during his healing and how he coped.

[11:13] Erik speaks about where his main support came from and what ultimately helped him get back to work.

[12:15] How long did it take for Erik to get back to work?

[12:28] When was Erik’s first expedition back?

[13:10] Erik shares some of his interactions with his colleagues when he got back to work.

[13:58] How Erik coped with withdrawing from his coworkers and feeling isolated.

[16:25] What changed in Erik’s life to flip the switch and change his life around.

[18:18] How Erik got the helped he needed through a motorcycle club.

[22:08] Is Erik still friends with the people from the motorcycle club that helped him get better?

[21:03] Erik explains the controversial photo and article that destroyed the club overnight.

[24:12] Did Erik witness anything ‘nefarious’ at this club from his own experience?

[24:35] How Erik regained the use of his left hand through Naked Prosthetics.

[27:31] How Erik developed through these experiences

[29:04] Erik speaks about his retirement and what he’s doing now.

[30:15] Chief Neil Dubord highlights some of the key lessons from this week’s episode.

[31:19] Why having a purpose makes all the difference in the world.

[31:55] Erik speaks about how you’re the only one who can haul yourself out of your dark days.

[32:58] Chief Neil Dubord thanks Erik for joining him in this episode.

[34:07] Aaron Hill joins the podcast and gives his thoughts.

[35:31] Chief Neil Dubord presents a commitment coin to Erik Bjarnason and thanks him once again for joining Bend, Don’t Break today!

 

Mentioned in this Episode:

North Vancouver City Fire Department

North Shore Rescue

Naked Prosthetics

 

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don’t Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

 

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.